T
he National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established a guideline for physicians in evaluating the necessity for bariatric surgery. The NIH standards for bariatric surgery state that the candidate should express the following:
- Be 100 or more pounds over your ideal body weight
- Possess a body mass index (BMI; use the CDC's BMI calculator) greater than 40 or BMI greater than 35 when pre-existing co-morbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea or hypertension are present
- Show weight-induced problems and restrictions in mobility, work and performance of family responsibilities
St. Joseph Hospital Bariatric Care Center's surgical prerequisites include the following:
- The patient must be between the ages of 18 and 60 years
- No history of drug or alcohol abuse within the past three years
- Nonsmoker
- The patient must undergo an internal medical evaluation and work-up to ensure the patient is in the best possible condition prior to surgery
- The patient must undergo a psychiatric evaluation for stability and demonstrate a clear understanding of the procedure, responsibilities, reasonable outcomes and post-surgical expectations and guidelines
- The patient must undergo a series of dietary education classes and complete all classes prior to surgery date
- Patient must demonstrate a commitment and readiness for a lifestyle change by modifying behavior and eating habits to ensure successful long-term weight loss
- He or she must be willing to fully participate in our multidisciplinary bariatric program